ABOUT THIS TRIP
This tour invites you on an unparalleled Patagonian photo safari, a once-in-a-lifetime journey capturing the essence of the region during the vibrant peak of the Patagonian summer, when daylight stretches long and landscapes glow with vivid hues. Immerse yourself in a breathtaking exploration of Patagonia’s most spectacular mountain landscapes across Chile and Argentina, where you’ll have the chance to photograph unique wildlife—such as guanacos, condors, and elusive pumas—while venturing into some of the most remote, seldom-visited National Parks and isolated islands of Southern Chile, each brimming with untouched beauty. Traverse scenic trails to capture the striking granite spires of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, the awe-inspiring expanse of Torres del Paine with its jagged peaks and turquoise lakes, and the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier in all its icy splendor, where calving icebergs add dramatic flair. The adventure continues aboard the luxurious and comfortable Stella Australis cruise, sailing through the pristine, secluded islands of Southern Chile, offering intimate encounters with rugged coastlines and marine life, culminating at the mythic Cape Horn—a legendary promontory steeped in maritime history. The journey concludes with a scenic flight back to Buenos Aires from Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, leaving you with a treasure trove of stunning images and indelible memories of Patagonia’s wild heart.
11 NIGHTS
26 MEALS
Special Lunches and Dinners
Full Board Meal Plan Onboard Cruise
TRAnSPORT
Cruise
flights
Today, make your own way to your chosen airport to board your international flight to Buenos Aires. Enjoy in-flight services and meals.
Overnight Onboard Flight
Upon your arrival at Buenos Aires International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by our professional team and seamlessly transferred to your stylish, centrally located hotel, perfectly positioned to explore the city’s vibrant pulse. This afternoon, embark on an engaging sightseeing tour that unveils Buenos Aires’ iconic landmarks—marvel at the historic Pink House, the grand Parliament building, the colorful La Boca neighborhood with its tango roots, the charming cobblestone streets of San Telmo, and the upscale elegance of the Recoleta area, home to elegant architecture and the famous cemetery. Later, connect with your expert Photo/Tour Leader, who will guide your photographic journey, before indulging in a delightful dinner paired with an authentic tango show, immersing you in the passionate rhythms and dramatic flair of Argentine culture.
Overnight in Buenos Aires
Today, you’ll be whisked away from your accommodation with a smooth transfer to the domestic airport, setting the stage for your exciting flight to El Calafate. Upon landing, our welcoming team will greet you and guide you onto a captivating overland journey across the sweeping Patagonian steppe, a 2.5-hour drive showcasing dramatic vistas of windswept plains and distant horizons. Your destination is the picturesque mountain village of El Chaltén, cradled near the majestic Fitz Roy Massif, where rugged peaks pierce the sky. Arrive in time to savor a delicious dinner featuring local flavors, then unwind for the night in this serene, adventure-ready hamlet, immersed in the wild beauty of Patagonia.
Overnight in El Chalten
Today, you’ll embark on your first exhilarating walk in the region, heading to the base camp of the iconic Fitz Roy. After a brief, scenic drive to the trailhead at Rio Electrico, you’ll enjoy a gentle stroll along the river, soaking in breathtaking views of the glistening Piedras Blancas Glacier until you reach Rio Blanco, a bustling hub for mountaineering expeditions. From here, opt for an invigorating 400-meter ascent up the hill to one of Patagonia’s crown jewels, Laguna de los Tres—an isolated, glacier-ringed lagoon offering unparalleled panoramic beauty. This afternoon, descend to the serene Capri Lagoon, where stunning vistas of the towering Fitz Roy (3,405m) unfold, before retracing your steps back to the charming village of El Chaltén, enriched by the day’s natural splendor.
Overnight in El Chalten
This morning, embark on an invigorating trek to the Cerro Torre base camp, beginning with a scenic hike to Capri Lagoon via the trail to Madre e Hija Lagoons, winding through a lush, dense forest alongside the shimmering Fitz Roy River. Continue your journey to Mount Torre Valley and the striking Laguna Torre Glacier, where the awe-inspiring, needle-like massif of Mount Torre—towering at 3,128 meters—dominates the skyline. (Approximately 5-hour walk) After soaking in the rugged beauty, retrace your steps back to El Chaltén, then enjoy a comfortable drive back to El Calafate. Cap the day with a delicious dinner and a restful night’s sleep to recharge for your next adventure.
Overnight in El Calafate
Set out on an unforgettable full-day excursion to the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier, a rare advancing glacier celebrated as one of the world’s natural wonders, nestled in the heart of Los Glaciares National Park. With a touch of fortune, you’ll witness the mesmerizing calving of icebergs as they detach from the glacier’s towering face, tumbling into the shimmering lake below with a powerful, resonant roar—a thrilling spectacle as massive ice blocks crash into the channel’s pristine waters. Immerse yourself in this pristine Patagonian landscape, where the dramatic interplay of ice, water, and sky creates a sensory experience that lingers long after, enhanced by the glacier’s striking blue hues and the serene yet wild ambiance.
Overnight in El Calafate
Depart early this morning from El Calafate for an awe-inspiring journey to Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, traversing the vast, dramatic landscapes of the Patagonian steppe, where you’ll spot an array of wildlife, from guanacos to condors soaring overhead. Cross the border at Cancha Carrera, immersing yourself in even more breathtaking scenery as you head north through rugged mountains and pristine valleys. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel, perfectly positioned in front of the majestic Massif, where you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of the iconic Horns and Towers while savoring a delectable dinner crafted with local flavors.
Overnight at Torres del Paine
The ultimate way to uncover the wonders of Torres del Paine National Park is to explore its most iconic highlights through invigorating walks, immersing yourself in a vibrant tapestry of flora and fauna, with the awe-inspiring mountains of the Paine Massif serving as a majestic backdrop. You’ll traverse scenic trails to marvel at the thundering Salto Grande and Chico waterfalls, soak in the serene beauty of Lake Nordenskjöld with its crystal-clear waters reflecting the rugged peaks, and gaze upon the ethereal Lago Grey, where floating icebergs from the Grey Glacier drift gracefully. This immersive journey blends adventure with nature’s grandeur, offering unforgettable vistas and a deep connection to Patagonia’s wild heart.
Dinner and an overnight at Torres del Paine
This morning, savor a leisurely few hours to capture some final, breathtaking photos of the stunning landscapes around you, ensuring you preserve the memories of your journey before we set off. Embark on a scenic drive south to the vibrant city of Punta Arenas, where you’ll head to the port to board the luxurious Stella Australis cruise ship this evening, marking the start of an extraordinary adventure. After settling in, join a warm welcome cocktail reception with the Captain and his crew, offering a chance to mingle and anticipate the voyage ahead. As the ship departs, it will glide through the historic Strait of Magellan and the wild Beagle Channel, ushering you into one of the world’s most breathtaking wilderness regions—Southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego—where rugged coastlines, pristine fjords, and remote islands await your exploration, promising an unforgettable immersion in nature’s untamed splendor.
Overnight on board the ship
At dawn, you’ll glide through the serene Almirantazgo Sound, arriving at the pristine Ainsworth Bay within the breathtaking Alberto De Agostini National Park. From a distance, marvel at the majestic Marinelli Glacier cascading from the Darwin Mountain Range, and witness the remarkable rebirth of the land as it flourishes after the ice retreats, revealing a tapestry of resilient flora. Embark on a captivating walk through the stunning sub-polar Magellan Forest to discover a beaver dam, a testament to nature’s ingenuity, surrounded by towering trees and mossy trails. On the beach, seize the chance to observe Southern Elephant Seals basking in their natural habitat, though sightings depend on the colony’s elusive movements. Later, sail onward to Tuckers Islets, enjoying a delicious lunch onboard, before venturing out on zodiacs to get up close to a lively colony of Magellan Penguins—endemic to the Southern Hemisphere—and elegant Cormorants, offering a thrilling wildlife encounter against a dramatic coastal backdrop.
Overnight on board the ship
Today, you’ll navigate along the rugged Northwest arm of the Beagle Channel, arriving at the enchanting Pia Fjord, where you’ll disembark for a memorable short hike to a panoramic viewpoint. From this vantage point, soak in the awe-inspiring sight of the spectacular Pia Glacier, its vast main tongue stretching dramatically from the mountain summit all the way to the sea, framed by jagged peaks and shimmering waters—a true testament to nature’s grandeur. After this unforgettable experience, reboard the ship and continue your journey along the Beagle Channel, gliding through the majestic Glacier Alley. Here, you’ll be surrounded by a stunning procession of towering glaciers, their icy facades glistening under the Patagonian sky, offering a serene yet powerful passage through one of the world’s most pristine wildernesses.
Overnight on board the ship
Today, you’ll sail through the serene Murray Channel and Nassau Bay, journeying toward the legendary Cape Horn National Park, a remote wilderness steeped in maritime history. Weather permitting, you’ll disembark to explore this mythical promontory, discovered in 1616, where a sheer 425-meter (1,394-foot) rocky cliff stands as a formidable landmark—once a vital navigation route for sailboats between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, earning its title as the “End of the Earth.” Designated a World Biosphere Reserve in 2005, the park teems with unique biodiversity, offering a rare glimpse into nature’s resilience. This afternoon, step ashore at the historic Wulaia Bay, once home to one of the region’s largest Yamana aboriginal settlements, where Charles Darwin made landfall in 1833 during his voyage on the HMS Beagle, adding a layer of scientific legacy to its allure. Renowned for its mesmerizing beauty, the bay showcases a stunning blend of vegetation and geography. Embark on a scenic walk through a lush Magellan forest, surrounded by towering lengas, coigües, canelos, ferns, and other endemic plants, ascending to a panoramic viewpoint that reveals breathtaking vistas of the bay and its rugged coastline, immersing you in this pristine corner of Patagonia.
Overnight on board the ship
This morning, you’ll arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina’s vital hub in Tierra del Fuego and the world’s southernmost city, where you’ll disembark and enjoy leisurely time to explore its charming streets, dotted with colorful buildings, local shops, and stunning views of the Beagle Channel. Afterward, you’ll be seamlessly transferred to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires International Airport, where you can connect with your onward journey home, carrying memories of Patagonia’s wild beauty.
Hotel Madero (Buenos Aires)
There's living and then there's living the good life. When you travel to Buenos Aires, Hotel Madero invites you to experience a new concept in hospitality. Our luxury boutique hotel provides urban and contemporary comfort for hip, sophisticated Buenos Aires travelers who appreciate a unique sense of style. The design of Hotel Madero is inspired from the exclusive and modern Puerto Madero area in which it is situated — the hub of the most contemporary architectural styles in the city. And inside our doors you will find a warm and welcoming environment; friendly, top-notch service, artistic décor; and an ultra-cool vibe.
Hosteria Senderos (El Chalten)
Xelena Hotel & Suites (El Calafate)
On the banks of the Lago Argentino (Argentine Lake), the hotel captures unforgettable images that will allow you to experience a personal fusion with a unique natural environment. The hotel counts on a Spa, a boutique, gourmet areas and function rooms for social and business events. Xelena catches unforgettable images in a unique natural environment.
M/V Via Australis (Punta Arenas)
Australis' Patagonia cruises offer guests an exciting Chilean cultural experience. During your Chile travel enjoy world class gourmet cuisine, engaging activities, and remarkable Patagonia tours. Imagine waking up to an incredible ocean view every morning. Well onboard our cruise ships you can! Traveling on Via Australis gives you the most majestic views of snowcapped mountains, clear blue waters, and amazing sunsets. Choose Via Australis for exciting Patagonia expedition cruises and the best in Chile Travel. Built in 2005, The Via Australis can hold up to 136 passengers while offering 64 comfortable cabins. With a deck, entertainment, and beautiful cabins, the Via Australis allows each tourist to have the best Chile travel experience possible.
Weskar Patagonia Lodge (Puerto Natales)
Welcome to Weskar! From our small and cozy lodge you will be impressed by the stunning fjord view and Patagonian Andes. This is why we designed Weskar as a resting place with nice food and friendly service for all the travelers that want to visit Torres del Paine and Chilean Glaciers, places with extreme nature and unique biodiversity.